...Like There's No Tomorrow

Serviceable snow porn, this episodic annual highlight reel has moved well beyond the folksiness of the wry, long-retired Warren Miller. The resorts and heli-skiing operations being plugged here are part of a major industry, though no mention is made of the recession that will have many skiers curtailing their winter vacation plans. This year's international stops include Kashmir, Chile, and New Zealand, whose less crowded peaks will send some in search of their passports. (Extra bonus: the latter two are actually summer vacations.) A visit to the tiny hamlet of Sudndalen, Norway reveals a population that appears to be exclusively composed of young men jacked up on Monster energy drink. Up in British Columbia, some may recognize Andy Mahre of the famous Northwest skiing clan; he's roped into a fanciful encounter with Sasquatch, who naturally turns out to be an awesome skier. The 97 minutes of scenery and stunts pass relatively pleasantly and quickly, though the soundtrack may grate on ears over age 30. The film's odd title is explained in a morbid coda up in Cordova, Alaska, which pays tribute to a guide who died on the slopes. A friend declares, "I'll be a ski bum for the rest of my life." Perhaps after he watches this movie, he'll rethink the second part of that statement. (NR) BRIAN MILLER